Youth camps: lots of fun with a Torah flavour

STAFF REPORTER

Picured: Time for action and smiles at the Habonim machaneh.

“The vibrancy and strength of the movements was so encouraging. They are representative of the heart of our community,” he said.

“I think it is critical that the Jewish community as a whole continues to strengthen and support the connection of the movements to the broader Jewish community and most importantly to Israel. That remains a responsibility incumbent on all of us.”

The Betar Southern Africa machaneh, Omdim Beyachad – standing together – was regarded as especially relevant for a South African Jewish youth movement living in today’s anti-Zionist society.

Camp activities provided a balance of educational content, Yiddishkeit, Betar ideology, creativity and physical activity.

Each day had a theme or objective, including leadership, army, Israel and Betar Day.

Favourite activities included crafts, colour wars, Bnei Etzel banquet, obstacle course, survival night, Betar Olympics, abseiling and pool parties.

Chanichim were taken to several beaches in the area almost daily and used the onsite pool regularly.

The camp hike ended at a waterfall for a fun-filled day of swimming.

Medi Response ensured that all medical needs were provided by advanced life support paramedics while security was ensured by CSO-accredited security guards.

At the Bnei Akiva Machaneh Dor Shelanu (our generation) people saw, listened and processed every moment, transcending their everyday existence to enter a world filled with excitement, joy, inspiration, Torah, friendship and light, the camp told Jewish Report.

Both chanichim and madrichim felt a pull towards Torah and Hashem. From the education initiatives of a dynamic Torah syllabus, to the first-ever mitzvah fair which saw over 1 000 campers participating in challah baking, tzitzit making, challah cover decorating and more, the true essence of Jewish pride and tradition was ingrained in every heart on that campsite.

Machaneh Dor Shelanu was a high point for every person who was there and who was privileged to be a part of it.

The theme of the Habonim machaneh (camp) was Hazman Lif’ol, the time to act.

The camp was attended by 700 campers, making it the largest in years, with 200 counsellors and a full team of cooks, doctors, nurses, CSO and secretarial staff, to create a sensational holiday.

Sollelim (grade 9) learned about revolution and consumerism. Sayarim (grade 10) ran a carnival that came with a completely new vibe and put smiles on faces. Shtilim (grades 5 and 6) learned about our Jewish community with a beautiful wedding ceremony and Bonim (grade 7) learned about the first aliyot to Israel with unrivalled “Illegal Immigration”. Oz (Shomrim, grade 11) ran a projects week.

Sports tournaments, lazy afternoons on the beach, slushies at the tuck shop and lying on hammocks were little things that made this machaneh brilliant.

Visitors to the camp included former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, who spoke on post-apartheid South Africa, and Professor Adam Habib, vice-chancellor of Wits, who discussed transformation in universities.

The Netzer camp, Machaneh Chalutzim (pioneers), succeeded in spite of a change of campsite 17 days before it started.

Netzer explored the idea of pioneering one’s way through life.

One of the highlights this machaneh was colour wars. The entire camp was split between red and blue teams battling various obstacles until one team was announced the victor.

Other major highlights included time in the beautiful dam on the campsite, various obstacle courses, Israel Day and visitors’ day, when parents and chanichim went head to head in a number of challenges.